Ugandan music heavyweight Eddy Kenzo has once again placed Uganda on the global music map after emerging as the only Ugandan and East African artist nominated at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards.
Kenzo earned a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for his international collaboration “Hope & Love” alongside Iranian-born producer Mehran Matin, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of Africa’s biggest musical exports.
African Music Dominates the 2026 GRAMMYs
The Recording Academy is announcing winners for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, honoring artists and recordings that shaped the global sound over the past year. The ceremony is being held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with worldwide broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
African music continues to enjoy unprecedented global recognition, with artists from West, Southern, and East Africa influencing mainstream culture, sound, and style across the world.
2026 GRAMMY African Winners (So Far)
As winners are announced, Africa has already secured notable victories:
Fela Kuti – Lifetime Achievement Award
The late Nigerian icon became the first African artist in history to receive a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor was accepted by his children during the Special Merit Awards ceremony.
Tems – Best African Music Performance (2025 reference)
Although awarded last year, Tems’ win continues to symbolize the Academy’s growing embrace of African music on the global stage.
(This list will be updated as more 2026 winners are officially announced.)
Best African Music Performance Nominees – 2026
The category features a powerful mix of Africa’s finest talents:
Burna Boy – Love
Davido & Omah Lay – With You
Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – Hope & Love
Ayra Starr & Wizkid – Gimme Dat
Tyla – Push 2 Start
Eddy Kenzo remains the only representative from Uganda and East Africa, a milestone achievement that has sparked pride across the region.
Other African & African-Linked Nominees
Angélique Kidjo – Best Global Music Performance (Jerusalema)
Burna Boy – Best Global Music Album (No Sign of Weakness)
Youssou N’Dour – Best Global Music Album (Éclairer le monde)
Shaboozey – Best Country Solo Performance (Good News)
Shaboozey & Jelly Roll – Best Country Duo/Group Performance (Amen)
A Big Win for Uganda
Eddy Kenzo’s nomination reinforces his status as one of Africa’s most globally respected artists. With previous accolades including a BET Award and international tours, Kenzo continues to open doors for Ugandan music worldwide.
As Africa’s influence at the GRAMMYs grows stronger, Kenzo’s presence signals a hopeful future for more East African artists to break onto the world’s biggest music stage.
🇺🇬 Uganda stands proud. Eddy Kenzo carries the flag.
